Damaskēnos (pronounced da-ma-SKAY-nos, Δαμασκηνός) is a Greek adjective found under Strong’s Concordance number G1153. The word Damaskēnos is derived from Δαμασκός (Damaskos), the Greek name for the city of Damascus. Damaskēnos specifically means “of Damascus” or “Damascene,” referring to something or someone originating from Damascus. The term was commonly used to describe people, goods, or items associated with the ancient city, which was a significant cultural, commercial, and political center in the ancient Near East.

The primary meaning of Damaskēnos is “of Damascus” or “Damascene.” It is an adjective that denotes a connection to the city of Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In the context of the New Testament, Damaskēnos is used to describe individuals or items associated with Damascus, highlighting the city’s importance as a hub of early Christian activity and its significance in the broader Greco-Roman world.

Scripture References

1. Acts 9:22: “But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus (Δαμασκῷ, Damaskō) by proving that Jesus was the Christ.” While the adjective form Damaskēnos is not used here, the context of the passage emphasizes the city of Damascus as a pivotal location in the early Christian narrative.
2. 2 Corinthians 11:32: “At Damascus (Δαμασκῷ, Damaskō), the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus (Δαμασκηνῶν, Damaskēnōn) in order to seize me.” Here, Damaskēnōn refers to the people of Damascus, showing how the adjective form can be used to describe the inhabitants of the city.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Damaskēnos is defined as “of Damascus” or “Damascene,” with a primary focus on its adjectival use to describe people or things associated with the city of Damascus. BDAG emphasizes that the term is used in both literal and figurative contexts to denote origin, identity, or association with Damascus. The lexicon notes that Damascus was a significant city in the ancient world, known for its strategic location and cultural influence, making Damaskēnos a descriptor of notable importance.

Thayer’s Lexicon also defines Damaskēnos as “of Damascus” or “belonging to Damascus.” Thayer’s points out that the adjective is used to describe anything related to the city, whether it be people, products, or cultural artifacts. The lexicon highlights that in the New Testament, Damaskēnos is used to emphasize the connection of individuals to the city, particularly in the context of Saul’s (later Paul’s) early ministry and the broader Christian mission.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon provides a similar definition, describing Damaskēnos as an adjective meaning “of Damascus” or “Damascene.” LSJ notes that the term was commonly used in both Greek and Roman literature to refer to the products, people, and culture of Damascus. The lexicon underscores the significance of Damascus as a major city in the ancient world, contributing to the widespread use of the term Damaskēnos to denote high-quality goods, especially in the context of trade and commerce.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Damaskēnos as “of Damascus” or “Damascene,” focusing on its use as an adjective to describe anything associated with the city. The concordance emphasizes the importance of Damascus in the biblical narrative, particularly in the New Testament, where the city is mentioned multiple times as a key location in the early spread of Christianity.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Damaskēnos appears in various classical Greek texts, often in contexts related to the city of Damascus and its people.

1. Strabo, the Greek geographer, refers to Damaskēnos in his “Geographica,” where he describes the inhabitants and culture of Damascus, emphasizing the city’s significance as a trade center and its influence on the surrounding regions.
2. Josephus, in his work “Antiquities of the Jews,” uses Damaskēnos to describe individuals from Damascus, particularly in the context of historical events involving the city. Josephus highlights the strategic importance of Damascus in the political and military history of the region.
3. Pliny the Elder, in his “Natural History,” mentions Damaskēnos in relation to the famous Damascene steel, known for its high quality and craftsmanship. This reference underscores the city’s reputation for producing valuable goods, a reputation that was recognized throughout the ancient world.

Summary

Damaskēnos (pronounced da-ma-SKAY-nos, Δαμασκηνός) is a Greek adjective meaning “of Damascus” or “Damascene.” The term is derived from Δαμασκός (Damaskos), the Greek name for the city of Damascus, one of the most ancient and significant cities in the Near East. In the New Testament, Damaskēnos is used to describe people or items associated with Damascus, reflecting the city’s importance in the early Christian movement and its broader cultural and commercial influence. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ emphasize the term’s usage in both biblical and classical contexts to denote origin, identity, or association with the city of Damascus. In classical Greek literature, Damaskēnos is frequently mentioned in relation to the people, culture, and products of Damascus, highlighting the city’s reputation as a major center of trade and culture in the ancient world.